UPDATED OPINION: City loses opportunity to advance Zero Emissions and Green infrastructure

Steve Fields (Internet}

We all know that climate change is a huge issue in our country and our city.  In fact, during Council's retreat on Saturday, January 27, 2018 they voted "Green infrastructure  - Zero Emissions" as their No. 2 priority, out of 7 priorities. 

Sadly, in a Regular meeting on August 21 the council  rejected council member Steve Fields' request to represent the city in a global Green city-city conference.  All his traveling expenses will be paid by a  host city in China and a Canadian non-profit.  He was referred to the organizations by an acquaintance in the Chinese community.

Regardless, Steve is going to the conference as a citizen or a public official if he is sanctioned by Council.  The conference is from 9/18 - 9/28.  After consulting with the city attorney and submitting a written report to council explaining conference benefits he requested the City sanction his participation so as not to be construed as a gift.  Despite our City's Number 2 priority for the environment Steve Fields got raked over the coals by council "concerns."

A few of Council's concerns which led to a technical "No" vote were:

1.  His spousal travel (Council VP Carson)  Response:  Council member Anderson said non-profits often  pay for spousal attendance as an incentive.  Steve said he wouldn't take his spouse if requested by council.

2.  Couldn't find a website on the Canadian and Chinese organization. He wanted a willingness to transfer knowledge and experiences.  (Carson)  Responses: Steve  gave council a copy of the organization's certificate.  The organization has been operating for three years. Steve emphatically committed to sharing his knowledge and experiences.

3)  Confusion over payment as a citizen vs. payment as a council member and if Steve's trip expenses would be considered a gift from the city. Skeptical about other costs to the City..(Council Pres..Birney)  Response: The City attorney said if Council sanctioned the trip it would not be considered a gift. City costs would be minimal

4)  Similar concerns as Birney's  (Padya)

5)  Staff expenses in preparing Steve's report. The conference was of little value.  (Margeson)  Response:  Steve said it was a good opportunity for Redmond to share insight with other cities world-wide.

Council member Hank Myers was not in attendance.

If you read the annual retreat summary you'll see  Council decided on "conditions which guide success."  1) clarity of roles and goals, 2) impactful work, 3) sense for purpose, 4) willingness to transfer knowledge and experience. 5) Challenge  6) Pride in work, a sense of purpose and ownership.

Steve clearly meets all the criteria for the conditions of success in this endeavor. In my opinion the advancement within our Green City and Green infrastructure priority was shanghaied by  politics and and a fear of the unknown.

- Bob Yoder

Note:  An economic exposition will be held at the same location and time with funding by an Canadian non-profit.